Villagers

DeBarra's, Clonakilty, Co Cork Fri 8.30pm €12 023-33381; Cyprus Avenue, Cork Tues 9pm Adm free 021-4276165When Dublin band and Choice Music Prize nominees The Immediate split up suddenly over a year ago, the sense that a very good Irish rock outfit had called it a day before time was balanced by the knowledge that the band's singer and co-songwriter, Conor O'Brien, wasn't going anywhere except along his own singular path.

Following a spell as guitarist-for-hire in Cathy Davey’s band (on stage and in the recording studio), O’Brien quickly set up shop with his next musical outing, Villagers.

The process has been considered and, well, slow, and for the moment Villagers are keeping their aces close to their collective chest. That said, their debut EP, Hollow Kind, is a quiet little triumph, four lean songs ( Down, Under the Sea, Pieces, The Meaning of the Ritualand The Sun is Hanging from a String) of elegance and no small integrity. Expect the shows this week and next to be full of surprises – the immediate fused with the resonant.

Can’t see that? Catch this: Kaiser Chiefs, Thursday, Dublin